9 minute read
Nailing it!
A would-be mom, Akshaya wished to carry the image of her baby on her hand on the eve of her baby shower. The wish came true. Nanthini recreated drawing the scanned image of Ak shaya’s baby on her nails.
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Nanthini Is a nail artist. This unique art is all about drawing intricate designs on the nails. “I can recreate any occasion or image on the nails.” Says the 33-year-old artist based out of Pondicherry. Her Instagram page Nail_dnails is a big hit and her nail art on the theme of chess went viral during the International chess Olympiad.
An entrepreneurial spirit and an interest in grooming made her what she is today. after a stint at a magazine and a brief brush with a business that demanded travel, Nanthini, who is a b.tech in ECE and a single mother was looking For an avenue to support her son and her mom financially. “I was initially working for a magazine, then I realized I am not someone who can work under anyone. I wanted to create my own identity.”
“So basically many are into makeup and I personally wanted to start a business that is unique and a business that isn’t in Pondy as well. I use to groom myself very well. Usually, I would go to Chennai every month to do my nails. And an idea struck. Why not start this business in Pondicherry?” Then, I did a three-month diploma course. With that, Nanthini opened her studio Nail D Nails, which is the first nail studio in Pondicherry. She says, “I am the first person in south India to launch soft gel nail extension as well.”
Initially, Nanthini’s mother was against her choice and wanted her to go into IT instead. However, now, Nanthini, who is the recipient of The Best Women Entrepreneur Award for the year 2021 presented by the YouTube channel Saraku Kadai, feels that she has made her mother proud. Her business is booming too.
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You are always on cloud nine when you unique and classy. I am complimented for my art both by international clients and famous personalities. However, to me, each client is important and I connect as a friend with every client. I am working on opening branches of my studio in Dubai and France.” She signed off, beaming a hearty smile at a client who just stepped in.
The ethereal Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique) has close to 1500 plant varieties, divided into 30 sections across the garden. The fossil plants are unique to Pondicherry Botanical Garden. Hosting hundreds of endangered native species, the Botanical Garden of Pondicherry is a paradise for nature lovers.
Light house
Pondicherry Lighthouse serves the practical purpose of guiding passing ships in the night. But it also happens to be a popular spot that gives an eagle view of Pondicherry. It also happens to be a great spot to catch sunsets. The city is home to two lighthouses. The old lighthouse in Pondicherry was built in 1836 and was active till the new lighthouse structure was setup in 1971. While the older version has been converted into a museum, the current lighthouse doubles up as a viewpoint for tourists.
Sri Manakula vinayagar
The 500-year-old Manakula Vinayagar Temple is one of the famous Dravidian-styled ancient temples in the city dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Standing near Promenade Beach in Pondicherry, The Manakula Vinayagar Temple gets its name from Manal meaning sand and Kulam meaning pond. The temple elephant is another huge attraction of this divine destination.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
One can hardly miss the pristine Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Mission street in the heart of Puducherry. The 300-yearold church stands tall sporting a beautiful white and blue color scheme with golden accents coupled with a mix of Herrian, French, Portuguese style architecture. The first Church was built in 1689 and has since been destroyed thrice. The current structure has a gorgeous central aisle complete with golden pillars and blue-tinted ceilings reflecting the life history of Jesus Christ.
Meeran mosque
The Meerapalli mosque is one of the most revered pilgrimage spots for Muslims. The 350-year-old mosque is the second oldest mosque in Puducherry. The Acrot Nawab built this sacred structure in the 18th century. Showcasing the Gothic Islamic style of architecture, its serene style brings peace to any visitor. Right by the Meerapalli mosque is the grave of its founder Meeran. The original mosque has withstood the test of time and stands tall despite the natural ravages it has faced.
Mahabalipuram Map Inside
Radisson Blu Temple Bay
Set amidst 44 acres of lush landscape, the award-winning Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram offers one of the best getaways near Chennai, with unparalleled views of the sea.
57 Covelong, East Coast Rd, Mahabalipuram
Phone: 044 2744 3636
No of Rooms: 157
Taj Fishermans Cove
Covelong Beach, Dist,
Phone: 044 6741 3333
No of Rooms: 149
Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach
No 53, East Coast Road, Devaneri, Village, Mahabalipuram, Phone: 088702 22585
No of Rooms: 94
Kaldan Samudhra Palace
16/3B1B, Devaneri, East Coast Road Mamallapuram Devaneri, Mahabalipuram, Phone: 044 4568 1000
No of Rooms: 106
Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort Hotel & Convention Center No 169 Plot 1B, Survey, 1A, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Kumaran Nagar, Sholinganallur,
Phone: 044 4925 6699
Sheraton Grand
Vedanamelli, 280, East Coast Rd, Phone: 044 7100 6000
No of Rooms: 129
MGM Beach Resort
1/74, SH 49, Muthukadu, Phone: 044 2741 0000
No of Rooms: 83
Ideal Beach
Kovalam Road Devaneri Village, Mahabalipuram
Phone: 044 24495167
No of Rooms: 67
Shelter Beach Resort
No of Rooms: 35
Blue Bay
Vadanemilli Village (Before Crocodile Park, SH 49, Mahabalipuram
Phone: 098410 14312
No of Rooms: 23
Vivanta Chennai, IT Expressway
309, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Elcot Sez, Sholinganallur, Phone: 044 6680 2500
No of Rooms: 200
Taj Wellington Mews, TRIL Infopark Limited, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Tharamani, Phone: 044 6614 8899
No of Rooms: 112
Four Points by Sheraton Chennai OMR
No 169 Plot 1B, Survey, 1A, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Kumaran Nagar, Sholinganallur
Phone: 044 4925 6699
Novotel Chennai OMR
Opp Sipcot It Park Siruseri, Old Mahabalipuram Road, near State Highway 49, Phone: 044 6654 5454
No of Rooms: 178
Novotel Chennai OMR IT Expressway, Old Mahabalipuram Road, opp. Elcot Sez, Sholinganallur, Phone: 044 66444777
Holiday Inn Chennai Omr It Expressway
110 Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Old, Mahabalipuram Road
Phone: 044 6604 6604
Days Hotel by Wyndham
245, 1, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Padur, Phone: 044 6730 1444
No of Rooms: 57
InterContinental Chennai
Inspired by the legendary shore temples of Mahabalipuram, the stone-cut splendour of Intercontinental Resort has become a recent landmark of the scenic East Coast Road. Like Chennai, the resort juxtaposes world class luxury with a laid-back Coromandel style.
212 East Coast Rd Nemelli Village, Perur, Phone: 044 7172 0101
No of Rooms: 106
275, SH 49, Vada Nemmeli, Phone: 098403 33114
No of Rooms: 38
Grande Bay
Kovalam Road, Off, East Coast Rd, Mahabalipuram
Phone: 044 4813 3853
No of Rooms: 44
Mamalla Resort
108, Kovalam Road, East Coast Road,Mamallapuram, Phone: 044 2744 2375
Halez
102, SH 49A, Sholinganallur, Phone: 044 4592 5500
Gokulam Park Sabari
33, IT Expressway, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Navalur, Phone: 044 4744 5000
No of Rooms: 90
Sindbad
Dine Dine
Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay
57 Covelong, East Coast Rd, Mahabalipuram
044 2744 3636
Bar
Nectar
Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort Hotel & Convention Center
No 169 Plot 1B, Survey, 1A, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Kumaran Nagar, Sholinganallur, 044 4925 6699
Bar
Swirl
Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach
No 53, East Coast Road, Devaneri, Village, Mahabalipuram, 088702 22585 Bar
Somapuraa
Kaldan Samudhra Palace
16/3B1B, Devaneri, East Coast Road Mamallapuram Devaneri, Mahabalipuram, 044 4568 1000 Bar
Sun Burst Bar
Taj Fishermans Cove Covelong Beach, Dist, 044 6741 3333
Bar
Lounge
Four Points by Sheraton Chennai OMR
No 169 Plot 1B, Survey, 1A, Rajiv
Gandhi Salai, Kumaran Nagar, Sholinganallur
044 4925 6699
Bar
Le Bar
Novotel Sipcot
Opp Sipcot It Park Siruseri, Old Mahabalipuram Road, near State Highway 49, 044 6654 5454
Bar
Nico
Novotel Chennai OMR
Opp Sipcot It Park Siruseri, Old Mahabalipuram Road, near State Highway 49, 044 6654 5454
Bar, Café
044 7172 0101
European
Upper Deck
Taj Fishermans Cove
Covelong Beach, Dist, 044 6741 3333
European
Kokomo Tiki Shack
InterContinental Chennai
212 East Coast Rd Nemelli Village, Perur, 044 7172 0101
Global Cuisine
Water Edge Café
Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay 57 Covelong, East Coast Rd, Mahabalipuram 044 2744 3636
Global Cuisine
Blaze - The Pool Grill
Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach No 53, East Coast Road, Devaneri, Village, Mahabalipuram, 088702 22585
Global Cuisine
The Eatery
Four Points by Sheraton Chennai OMR
Hub @ ECR
2/222, East Coast Rd, First Avenue, Vettuvankeni,, 089395 35667
Resto Bar
Mews Café
Taj Wellington Mews, TRIL Infopark Limited, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Tharamani, 044 6614 8899
Café
Tao of Peng
InterContinental Chennai
212 East Coast Rd Nemelli Village, Perur, 044 7172 0101
Chinese
Kipling Café
16, L Jey Avenue, Spring Gardens
2nd St, Akkarai
073052 20330
Continental
Melting pot
InterContinental Chennai
212 East Coast Rd Nemelli Village, Perur,
No 169 Plot 1B, Survey, 1A, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Kumaran Nagar, Sholinganallur 044 4925 6699
Global Cuisine
L’attitude 49 Grande Bay Resort and Spa
Kovalam Road, Off, East Coast Rd, Mahabalipuram 044 4813 3853
Global Cuisine
Wharf 2.0
Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay 57 Covelong, East Coast Rd, Mahabalipuram 044 2744 3636
Multicuisine
Petals
Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort Hotel & Convention Center
No 169 Plot 1B, Survey, 1A, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Kumaran Nagar, Sholinganallur, 044 4925 6699
Multicuisine
Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels
Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort Hotel & Conven- tion Center
No 169 Plot 1B, Survey, 1A, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Kumaran Nagar, Sholinganallur, 044 4925 6699
Multicuisine
Welcom Café Riva
Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Kences Palm Beach
No 53, East Coast Road, Devaneri, Village, Mahabalipuram, 088702 22585
Multicuisine
Dhani
Kaldan Samudhra Palace
16/3B1B, Devaneri, East Coast Road Mamallapuram Devaneri, Mahabalipuram, 044 4568 1000
Multicuisine
Seagull
Taj Fishermans Cove Covelong Beach, Dist, 044 6741 3333
Multicuisine
Match Point
Taj Wellington Mews, TRIL Infopark Limited, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Tharamani, 044 6614 8899
Multicuisine
Mynt
Vivanta Chennai IT Expressway
309, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Elcot Sez, Sholinganallur, 044 6680 2500
Multicuisine
The Square
Novotel Sipcot Opp Sipcot It Park Siruseri, Old Mahabalipuram Road, near State Highway 49, 044 6654 5454
Multicuisine
Sian
Vivanta Chennai, IT Expressway
309, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Elcot Sez, Sholinganallur, 044 6680 2500
Oriental
Bayview
Taj Fishermans Cove Covelong Beach, Dist, 044 6741 3333
Seafood
Mamallapuram
A historic beach town around 60 km south from the city of Chennai. Ancient Indian trader travelled South East Asia sailed from the seaport of Mahabalipuram. It was a port city of South Indian dynasty of the pallavas during 7th century. It has a group of sancturies, rathas (Temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave santuaries), gaint open-air reliefs such as the famous ‘Decent of the Ganges’ and the Shore Temple, with thousand of scultptures to the glory of Shiva. The group of monuments at Mahabalipuram has been classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Cholamandal Artists’ Village
An idyllic place located on 10 acres of land, about nine km from Adyar, Chennai – along the New Mahabalipuram road. It is equipped with all that is needed for an arts village and the open-air theatre Bharathi that is used for holding discussions and conferences. It is one of the major tourist attractions in the Coastal city.
Alamparai Fort
The fort can be reached on driving down the East Coast Road, about 100 km (62 mi) from Chennai,There are references to the region in Sangam literature Cirupanarruppatai as a trade post. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) listed the fort as one of twenty lesser known tourist spots in the state.
Madras Crocodile Bank
The Madras Crocodile Bank was initiated to protect few endemic crocodile species, the centre now lets people foster care for their herps or watch irula tribesmen milk snakes and even hosts a night walk for the daring.
DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum
It is a living museum that hosts many heritage homes from different regions of South India along with exhibits of its varied lifestyles. Don’t miss their folk events and craft exhibits.
Muttukadu
Just before Kovalam, the Muttukadu Boat House can be found in the scenic backwaters that lead into the Buckingham canal. Boats rides and sunsets are indeed a match made in heaven.
Blue Flag beach
One of the best public beaches in ECR, it comes loaded with a play area, bathing and changing stations and loungers to rest after a walk.
Surf Turf
The tiny fishing village of Kovalam is turned into one of India’s best surfing spots. To explore adventure water sports or to get a taste of coastal cuisine, you can head to Surf Turf.
Tiger Cave
Located near Mahabalipuram, this rick-cut temple boasts of historic carvings. It gets its name from the carvings of tiger heads found on the mouth of the cave.
VGP Marine Kingdom
The Marine Kingdom is India’s first and largest walk-through aquarium that gives you a first-hand experience of various coastal ecosystem and its beautiful marine life.
